Flexible conduit for electric wires



May s. 192s. 6 1,666,699

F. D. SAYLOR FLEXIBLE CONDUIT FOR -ELEG'IRIQ WIRES med mno. 1925 CII PatenteddMay 8, 1928.

FRANK D. SAYLOR, 0F DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

FLEXIBLE CONDUIT FOR ELECTRIC WIRES.

Application led July 20, 1925.

The invention relates to protective conduits forelectric wires constructed in such a manner as to be suitable for use in the wiring of buildings for electrical purposes. 1n order to minimize the possibility of the wiring becoming defective after it has been installed it is necessary that the conduit `or protective coating be hard, durable, insulating, fire-proof, water-proof and verminproof. My invention contemplates a construction which will meet with these requlrements.

In the drawings:

Figure lis a side view of a conduit or cable embodying my invention, parts of the coverings being broken away to show the injterior construction;

Figure 2 is a cross section of Fig; 1';

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a modified construction;

Figure 4 is a cross sect-ion on the line 4 4. of Fig. 3;

Figure 5 illustrates still another modilication; and

' Figure 6 is a cross section on the line 6 6 thereof.

The conduit made in accordance with my invention consists of a layer of fabric impregnated or coated with a composition containing a hard substance forming a durable exterior covering. The particular composition which I have found most desirable crontains Portland cement as the principal constituent, together with a suitable binding agent for causing the `adherence of the cement to the underlying material. As an example of a suitable binding agent, I have found that paste or glue such as is used in securing together the edges of paper bags and similar articles is Very satisfactory and this material is commercially obtainable on the line 2 2 under the name of Wonder Gum as a powdered substance. In preparing this composition it is preferable to use one part b weight of the highest grade line Portlan vcement to which is added two parts of a solution containing the binder, themixture then being thoroughly 'agitated until it is of a uniform consistency. The solution may be prepared by adding two parts of warm water` to one part of Wonder Gum or quivalent substance until entirely Serial N o. 44,905.

dissolved. rIhe composition is applied to the fabric either by dipping or using a brush.

As an example of one embodiment of my invention Figure l illustrates a Cable comprising the two insulated conductors A and B separated by a rubber spacer C and surrounded by a fabric layer D. The latter is covered on the exterior with the composition E which sets in a few hours after application forming a hard durable covering.

Anot-her example of my electrica-l conduit 1s shown in Figure 3 where the insulated wires F and Gr are asbestos covered and are separated by the asbestos spacer H which is also covered with the composition above described. The assembly is surrounded by a. layer of open weave fabric I impregnated with the composition second or fabric J, the latter being also coated with the composition. If it is desired to make the construction more resistant to water the cable before being covered with the outer faband is provided with a. outer covering of a finer weave ric layer can be treatedv with pitch after which the outside coverin Jof the fabric and composition can beappFied.

The modification illustrated in Figure 5 is similar to that shown in Figure 3, except that in this case the asbestos spacer H is eliminated and the insulated wires are separated by the composition alone. This material when fully hardened forms in itself, a good spacing member designated by the letter K. n

It will be obvious that-various other oonstructions may 'be used, all of which can be protected with the composition as hereinbefore described. The conduit or cable constructed in accordance with my invention is of great utility and provides a product which is hard, flexible, fire-proof, durable and vermin-proof.

What I claim as my invention is 1. A flexible cable comprising a pair of insulating conductors, a spacer between said conductors, an open weave fabric surrounding said conductors and spacer and impregnated with a composition containing Portland ccment, and an outer finer weave fabric covering coated with saidy composition.

2. A flexible cable comprising a pair of insulated wires, a cylindrical spacer between said insulated wires coated with a compo- -sition containing Portland cement and a 3. A iexible protective casing for electric Wires comprising a fabric covering impregnated with a mixture composed of one part cement and two parts gum solution.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature. c .l

FRANK D. SAYLOR. 

